Burton Malavita Restricted 2013
Review by The Good Ride

The Burton Malavita Restricted is a more unique offering for core shops to give them a bit of an advantage over other sellers. You get a different high back with wings and we all liked this better than the standard Malavita. You get more tip-tail response as a result or mo betta buttering.

The Burton Malavita Restricted Re:Flex binding is good for freestyle riding because of the addition of the winged high back. Both Peter and I own or have owned this binding and like it for freestyle riding. The larger outer side of the strap and the Winged High back and higher end Re:Flex tech all work together to provide excellent tip-tail response right up there with most est bindings.

Regarding Re:Flex Tech: Re:Flex Tech really changes the way the board rides for the better but it has one minor issue that should be addressed. Most 4 hole Discs can be aligned tip to tail or heel to toe but the Re:Flex Disc can only be aligned heel to toe. This isn’t a big deal because most align heel to toe but some like to turn their discs side ways to reduce or increase their stance width to a size that the binding holes won’t allow. If you do this make sure your board has the stance width you desire.

Size Medium Weight: 4lbs

Adjustability: Same as all the other Malavitas. Very easy to adjust and make it work for you.

Comfort: It’s also more comfortable than the old Disc Bindings due to a softer but still just as responsive toe

Heel-Toe Response: The same response as the regular Malavitas when it comes to edge to edge transitioning. It seems like it would be less work but it’s best with softer boards. The stiffer they are torsionally the better the Cartels, Genesis and Diode are with it.

Tip-Tail Response: The Re:Flex system makes this very close to an EST binding and gives you a lot of natural flex under foot. On top of that you have leverage from the larger ankle strap on the outside and the winged high back.

Boot Support: The Malavita is locked in on the outside but there is room to move on the inside of the binding due to the massively tapered asymmetrical strap.

Ratchet System: Exceptional.

Shock Absorption: Makes boards feel like they are protecting you from chatter and flat landing impact that can be tough on your body.